Compilers

/kəmˈpaɪlərz/ noun

Definition

Computer programs that translate source code written in high-level programming languages into machine code or another target language. Essential tools in software development.

Etymology

From Latin 'compilare' meaning 'to plunder' or 'to gather together,' originally used for collecting and arranging texts. The computing sense emerged in the 1950s, reflecting the process of gathering and organizing code.

Kelly Says

Early compilers were called 'automatic coding systems' because they seemed magical - you could write in English-like commands and the computer would translate them into its native language. Grace Hopper, compiler pioneer, compared it to having a universal translator for computers.

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